Italian power metal sextet Secret Sphere get technical and heavy on its tenth release, Blackened Heartbeat. The album is devoid of garish overtures, as the band prefers dynamic compositions with heavy riffs and percussion. “The Crossing Toll” is ...
Album Review: “State Of Emergency” by Prong
Seminal New York metal trio Prong return with its newest proper album in six years. State of Emergency shifts from the thrash attack of the band's two previous albums, 2017's Zero Days and 2016's X-No Absolutes, in favor of the groove laden rhyth ...
Testament / Sepultura / Prong in Baltimore
"Are you going to the Testament show on April 24?" a friend asked me casually. "I wouldn't miss it," I replied. And what reason could I have to not come out to see such a stellar line-up, featuring not only Testament, but supporting bands, Sepultu ...
CD Review: “The Aftermath of Lies” by Tribulance
Twenty-two years since its sole album, Trials and Tribulations, Arizona metal act Tribulance return with The Aftermath of Lies. The chugging riffs and soaring vocals are equal parts Pantera and Judas Priest, and that is not a bad thing. The Ame ...
Live photos: Testament, Sepultura and Prong at Center Stage in Atlanta GA
Images of the thrash metal Testament, along with Sepultura and Prong, from the threesome's Saturday, April 15 concert at Center Stage in Atlanta, GA. Testament is touring to promote their latest album, titled Brotherhood of the Snake. This is the ...
Top 10 Heavy Metal Albums Of 2016
We wrap up another year and it is time for the annual “best of” list for 2016 heavy metal releases. Old school thrash metal acts like Testament and Sodom released stellar albums this year. Symphonic metal band Delain's newest record was a solid ...
CD Review: ‘X-No Absolutes’ by Prong
Prong keep the creative ball rolling on X-No Absolutes. The band's third studio LP in four years, (fourth if you include the group's 2015 covers album Songs From The Black Hole) X is a heavy, versatile record with the trio performing at its best. The ...
Interview: Massimo Usai of Confrontational
Italy's CONFRONTATIONAL recently released its first full-length album, entitled A Dance Of Shadows. This has been labeled as synthwave, as well as dark retro wave. I'd label it as addictive! I've been a fan and follower of the band's mastermind, ...
CD Review: ‘A Dance Of Shadows’ by Confrontational
Earlier this year, I had the pleasure of reviewing the debut EP Done With You from darkwavers, Confrontational. At that time, I described my musical introduction to the band as “vibrant, full, and undoubtedly addictive.” I continue to stand by tha ...
CD Review: ‘Songs From the Black Hole’ by Prong
Prong has always had a sound of its own. Equal parts hardcore, thrash, industrial and goth, the band has managed to stay fresh for 30 years. On Songs From The Black Hole, Tommy Victor and Company pay tribute to the trio's influences and what a tribut ...